With a little planning and creativity you can keep healthy without affecting the waistline nor sacrificing your social life!

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Here’s how:-

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1. Eat more seasonal summer fruits - December is the perfect time to enjoy fresh strawberries, blueberries and a big juicy watermelon! All full of antioxidants. The best part is they are fresh and cheap! Apricots, nectarine, corn, and beans are all on the summer menu!

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2. Skipped the gym? Replace with an active commute to work- Make the most of the warmer weather, longer days by cycling or walking to work. We are so lucky to live in a beautiful city and the Yarra trail is our local favourite but there are so many hidden bike tracks around Melbourne that most don’t know about. Follow one and you will soon discover! If work is too far and you have to drive, then try stopping and parking 10 mins before you get there and walk the rest. Just that little bit extra into your day makes a world of difference.

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3. Watch your portion sizes - So hard when your work colleagues are endlessly offering you Christmas cake or there is a beautiful buffet of food at your Christmas lunch. Go for the healthy option first before you decide to load on the more appealing bread & cheeses. If you’re asked to bring something, try making snack bite- sizes, you end up chewing more and feeling fuller quicker.

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4. Space your drinks - December can be a hot month (Well, usually in places other than Melbourne!) it’s important to remain hydrated & alcohol consumption can lead to dehydration. It’s also very high in kilojoules and it’s very easy to consume more than you realise. Alternating one alcoholic beverage with a soda water can do the trick. Also, if you struggle drinking water in general, try adding some fresh fruit pieces to it, to add a beautiful fruit flavour. Eg Strawberries, oranges or lemon can be a tasty touch!

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5. Lastly, make time for self-care. It’s very easy to be distracted by all the celebrations going on around us, that we often forget to sit and pause and have a moment to just, breathe! Mindfulness, simply just means being present with your thoughts. You don’t necessarily have to sit and meditate to do this. Whatever it may be; painting, having a hot bath, writing in a journal, dancing in your lounge room or listening to your favourite song, always have 3 mins a day of ‘me time’.

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If anyone else has any other tips, we’d love to hear from you.

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From everyone at SYO we are wishing you a healthy and safe festive season. If you need a tune-up to keep you going, you can find us OPEN at the clinic over this Christmas period.